Psychiatric staff 'unaware' of responsiblity to parents

7th March 2013

The Mental Welfare Commission has issued a warning to psychiatric hospitals that they must consider the impact on the children of those who are given compulsory mental health treatment.

The watchdog organisation has said that most healthcare staff are unaware of their responsibilities to help parents to maintain contact with their children and has recommended that hospitals provide child-friendly spaces and conducts proper assessment of family circumstances of patients. It has also stressed the importance of providing information that can explain mental illness to children in a way they understand.